Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.32

c16.32

**Social Implications of Vedantic Education.** The dependence of Vedantic education on a study of the Veda raises some social issues which are indicated in the Sūtras and fully commented upon by Śaṅkara. The question is, since the study of Veda must await *upanayana* and other purificatory ceremonies from which the Śūdras are excluded, whether the Śūdras could be eligible for study of the Vedānta. Upanayana as a pre-requisite of Vedic study is recognized in Vedic literature [e.g. *Śata. Br.*, xi, 5. 3, 13; *Chhān. Upa.*, v, 11, 7; vii, 1, 1; *Praś. Upa.*, i, 1], while the Smṛitis do not consider Śūdras eligible for it [e.g. Manu, x, 4, and 126], prohibit their hearing and studying the Veda, and understanding and performing Vedic ceremonies. What they are entitled to is a knowledge of the Purāṇas and Itihāsas, which is open to all the castes.